Black Hawk flyover, American Idol finalist Erika Van Pelt, Providence Drum Troupe and Chip the harbor seal mascot to highlight historic sporting event
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (March 14, 2024) – Today, Rhode Island FC revealed its matchday experience details fans can look forward to on Saturday, March 16, when the club embarks on its historic USL Championship journey against New Mexico United. With kickoff set for 4 p.m., the inaugural match will take place in front of a sold out Beirne Stadium crowd on the campus of Bryant University, RIFC’s temporary home for the 2024 season before moving to its permanent venue, the Stadium at Tidewater Landing, in 2025. The highly-anticipated event will feature live performances, local food trucks, giveaways, family-friendly activities, special guests and much more for every fan in attendance.
With its commitment to be A Club for All Rhode Island, Rhode Island FC aims to foster pride and unity in the greater Rhode Island community by bringing together fans from all walks of life to celebrate the beautiful game in the country’s proudest state. Saturday’s match will showcase what it means to represent the Ocean State.
Before arriving at the stadium, fans are encouraged to “Blue Out” the stands by matching the home team’s Bay Blue “Energy” Jerseys worn on the pitch. The matchday atmosphere will be buzzing with excitement well before kick-off when parking lots open at 1 p.m. Tailgating is encouraged inside the Bryant University Stadium Lot, and all patrons who park at the Off-Site Overflow Lot will receive free shuttle service to and from the stadium. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in pre-match festivities starting at 2:30 p.m. when gates open.
After entering the stadium, every fan in attendance will receive a limited edition inaugural match giveaway, provided by presenting match partner Ortho Rhode Island. Adding to the dynamic atmosphere, the RIFC Food Truck Village, featuring local eats and specialties cooking up a good time all evening long, will be located just beyond the main stadium entrance. Food Truck Village, highlighted by six food trucks offering an assortment of delectable food options, will ignite the diverse tastes of Rhode Islanders with local favorites including fried seafood, chowder, clam cakes, frozen lemonade, Jamaican patties, pizza, rice bowls and cheesesteaks. The space will also contain a variety of beverages including beer, wine and canned cocktails.
Matchgoers looking to zip straight into the action can walk a few steps further to reach RIFC Fan Fest. Highlighted in part by multiple appearances from the Ocean State’s most famous harbor seal, Chip, Fan Fest celebrations will include games and activities, interactive experiences and live performances from Providence Drum Troupe and SWRL Freestyle Soccer. Fans can also gear up with the latest fittings from the RIFC Merchandise Tent, including multiple items making their debut Saturday, to showcase their support for the team.
But the pre-match festivities don’t stop there. The unforgettable matchday experience will continue on the pitch when Rhode Island FC welcomes Providence native and former American Idol finalist Erika Van Pelt to midfield. As the South Kingstown High School alum fires up the crowd with her rendition of the national anthem, a U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter will provide a ceremonial flyover. Before the match kicks off, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebein, Bryant University President Ross Gittell and Rhode Island FC Chairman Brett Johnson will take the pitch to conduct the first coin toss in club history. Underscoring the community support for the club, the quartet will encapsulate the significance of such a historic moment for the state of Rhode Island.
After the match kicks off, fans can look forward to the rhythmic drumming, non-stop chanting, flag bearing loyalists known as Defiance 1636, the only recognized supporter group of Rhode Island FC. At halftime, attendees will be treated to additional giveaways, contests, sights, sounds and more!
EVENT DETAILS
Match Basics
- Venue | Beirne Stadium on the campus of Bryant University
- Kickoff | 4:00 p.m.
- Gates Open | 2:30 p.m.
- Box Office Opens | 1:00 p.m.
- Parking Lots Open | 1:00 p.m.
- Broadcast | NESN, ESPN+
- Match Hashtag | #RIvNM
- Rhode Island FC hashtags | #WickedGoodSoccer #RIFC
Event Areas
- Food Truck Village
- Fan Fest
- Merchandise
- Beer Garden
Pre-match Events
- National Anthem | Erika Van Pelt
- Ceremonial Flyover | U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter
- Coin Toss | Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebein, Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Rhode Island FC Chairman Brett Johnson
- Live Performances | Providence Drum Troupe, SWRL Freestyle Soccer
- Booming entrance, bringing all the Smoke | Defiance 1636
For more information on what to expect on matchday, visit rhodeislandfc.com/matchday.
Fans unable to attend in person can tune in on NESN, the exclusive regional broadcaster of Rhode Island FC, or ESPN+. To find a TV provider that carries NESN, visit GetNESN.com. To sign up for NESN 360 for 24-7 access to NESN, visit NESN360.com. For additional information on ESPN+, visit plus.espn.com.
Limited tickets remain for RIFC’s second home match of the season when the club hosts 2023 Eastern Conference Champions Charleston Battery on Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. Visit rhodeislandfc.com/tickets and don’t miss your chance to be a part of Rhode Island FC’s inaugural season.